Details

Levofloxacin is in a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Levofloxacin fights bacteria in the body. Levofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, or prostate. Levofloxacin is also used to treat bacterial infections that cause bronchitis or pneumonia, and to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax or plague Levofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fibre that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the Achilles' tendon of the heel. This effect may be more likely to occur if you are over 60, if you take steroid medication, or if you have had a kidney, heart, or lung transplant. To make sure levofloxacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder, especially if you take medication to treat it a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome tendon problems, arthritis or other joint problems (especially in children) a muscle or nerve disorder bone problems liver or kidney disease seizures or epilepsy a history of head injury or brain tumour a history of allergic reaction to an antibiotic diabetes (especially if you use insulin or take oral diabetes medication) low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia) or if you use a blood thinner.

Typical Uses

Levofloxacin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Levofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Side Effects

Levofloxacin may cause swelling or tearing of (rupture) a tendon. Levofloxacin can also have serious effects on your nerves, and may cause permanent nerve damage. Stop using levofloxacin and inform your doctor immediately if you have headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) muscle weakness or trouble breathing diarrhoea that is watery or bloody sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding depression, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, tremors, feeling restless or anxious, unusual thoughts or behaviour, insomnia, nightmares severe eye redness, small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye seizure (convulsions) or increased pressure inside the skull- severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes.

Drug Interactions

• Levofloxacin+anisindione- Using levofloxacin together with anisindione may cause you to bleed more easily. You may need a dose adjustment based on your prothrombin time.
• Levofloxacin+bupropion- Bupropion may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as levofloxacin may increase that risk. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.
• Levofloxacin+citalopram- Using citalopram together with levofloxacin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Levofloxacin+fingolimod- Before starting fingolimod, let your doctor know if you are currently receiving treatment with levofloxacin. Using fingolimod in this situation can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. This is most likely to occur early on after you start treatment with fingolimod, especially within the first 20 hours after the first dose.
• Levofloxacin+haloperidol- Using haloperidol together with levofloxacin can increase the risk of an i

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Mechanism of action

Levofloxacin belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that kills a wide range of infection causing bacteria, both gram positive and gram negative. It acts by inhibiting bacterial DNA formation that is essential for bacterial growth and survival, thereby killing the bacteria.

Pregnancy Category : C